Liverpool transfer news: 'I was at the airport waiting to join' - Simao EXCLUSIVE
LIVERPOOL nearly signed Portuguese sensation Simao Sabrosa back in 2006 - and the former Benfica winger has now opened up on his failed move to Merseyside.
Liverpool transfer news: Simao Sabrosa nearly joined from Benfica in 2006 (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool were interested in signing Simao from Benfica 12 years ago at a time where the Portugal international was operating at the peak of his powers.
Just months previously he had helped the Primeira Liga giants eliminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United from the Champions League in the group stages, while also starring domestically.
Liverpool, then managed by Rafa Benitez, thought they had secured an agreement with Benfica for his transfer.
Ultimately, though, Simao stayed in Portugal, where he established himself as a Benfica hero.
And the Portugal international has now revealed how his move to Merseyside collapsed.
“I did not sign because, in the last minute, the president of Benfica said no,” he said.
“We had an agreement, I was ready to take the plane to fly to Liverpool.
“I’m at the airport and the president calls me to tell me I have no authorisation to go.
“I was told to fly back to the national team.
“I did not know what happened.
Liverpool transfer news: Simao was a Portugal international at the time (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool transfer news: Simao (right) playing against the Reds in 2006 (Image: GETTY)
“My agent had called me that day to tell me it was OK, that I was going to Liverpool.
“But in the end I was told to go back.”
Rick Parry was Liverpool’s chief executive when the deal for Simao collapsed.
And, speaking at the time, the Reds supremo rued the failure to complete a deal.
"We had an agreement with Benfica but when the story leaked there was such a strong reaction they felt they couldn't sell," Parry said.
"Simao was sitting on a plane waiting to come for his medical, but Benfica called it off.
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